The Japanese soldiers’ participation in the course was part of the Japanese Observer Exchange Program, a joint program organized by III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. The intent of the program is to allow both forces to learn about one another while improving relations between the two forces.

Staff Sgt. Toshihiro Umeda and Sgt. Daisuke Nishimoto volunteered to participate in the course to learn the Marines Corps’ martial arts, which integrates several disciplines such as karate and judo.

The JGSDF has its own martial arts program, which is also based on a variety of disciplines such as Jukendo, a style heavily involving the use of bayonets, and Toshu Kakutou, which combines many unarmed fighting styles.

Umeda, who is a JGSDF martial arts instructor based in Tokyo, said JGSDF officials sent him and Nishimoto, an engineer with 2nd Engineer Group based in Fukuoka Prefecture, to the course because they are experienced martial artists. Umeda is a black belt in Judo, and Nishimoto has a black belt in karate.

The three-week course consisted of training such as sparring in up to five feet of water, running through the Reconnaissance Endurance Course on Camp Schwab, an obstacle course on Camp Kinser and enduring a shot in the eyes of OC, a powerful pepper spray.

All the training focused on conditioning the soldiers and Marines to fight through pain and fatigue. MCMAP training focuses on preparing warriors to apply techniques in any combat situation, according to Master Sgt. Irving Fletcher, a black belt instructor trainer with Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd MLG.

‘‘(MCMAP training) builds confidence,” Fletcher said. ‘‘It’s another way to get them through combat. No matter how tired they are, they know they can fight.”

Umeda said while MCMAP is similar to the JGSDF program, the Corps’ program requires more strenuous physical activity and endurance training. He said he recognized the benefits of improving endurance and preparing warriors to fight under harsh conditions while fatigued, and he plans to take what he learned in the course back to his unit.

Umeda and Nishimoto also offered the Marine instructors their insight about what they liked in the course and made suggestions about how it might be improved.

Fletcher said Umeda and Nishimoto did very well in the course, and he was pleased with their ability to adapt.

‘‘They’re very tough mentally and physically,” Fletcher said. ‘‘They picked up on everything fast.”

III MEF and the JGSDF exchange troops for a variety of programs throughout the year, according to Fletcher.

Last year, Fletcher participated in a similar exchange on mainland Japan, in which he observed the JGSDF martial arts program.